In the aftermath of the Robb Elementary School incident, as well as the Buffalo grocery store incident, many Democrats are screaming about gun control again. Now, one Republican Congressman has joined them.
Representative Chris Jacobs, Congressman from New York, told The Buffalo News, “If an assault weapons ban bill came to the floor that would ban something like an AR-15, I would vote for it. “So I want to be clear: I would vote for it,” reports NBC News.
He also said he would support a raise in the age at which a person can purchase at least some firearms, saying “Individuals cannot buy beer, they cannot get cigarettes until 21. I think it’s perfectly reasonable that the age limit at least for these highly lethal, high-capacity semi automatic weapons should be 21.” He “would not be for confiscation,” he said.
In 2020, Congressman Jacobs was endorsed by the National Rifle Association, according to NBC News. Additionally, his statements are in direct opposition to the Republican Party’s stance on firearms. When he received the NRA’s endorsement, he promised to be an “ally and fighter” for gun owners in his district, reports The Hill.
Congressman Jacobs explained his change of position like this: “I hope I’ve been compassionate when I read and heard about previous incidents like this that have happened over the years, but I guess there’s just something markedly different when it happens in your city, to people you know. This has been a profoundly impactful event for me.”
He continued, “Being a father and having young children and visualizing what those parents are going through and, I guess, being able to feel it more personally certainly has had an impact as well.”
On the day of the Robb Elementary incident, Congressman Jacobs Tweeted: “[t]oday’s shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde Texas is horrifying and heartbreaking. I join the entire nation tonight in praying for these families.”
The Hill further reported, that Congressman Jacobs said he plans to introduce a bill to ban the sale of body armor to individuals who are not in law enforcement, security or ‘fields that it makes sense.’”
Read about the NRA Convention in Houston, Texas
Jacobs seems to understand that his change in position on this issue could cause him difficulties during the next election.
Congressman Jacobs has indicated openness to some changes in gun laws. How do you feel about the changes he has proposed? Let us know in the comments.
